Christopher Adam Tout

Research Interests

Past

Evolution of Close Binaries with particular emphasis on the formation of
Algol type systems and Cataclysmic Variables.
The Effects on the evolution of stars placed in high temperature radiation
baths such as might be expected in the vicinity of Active Galactic Nuclei.
Production of a simple fast algorithm for evolving stars such that
given a mass and age the radius, luminosity and temperature can be calculated
in a very short time. This algorithm can be used to look at the statistics
of stellar distributions and was applied to the Bright Star Catalogue to
test our theory of stellar evolution and to constrain the mass-ratio distribution
in binary stars. The possibility of mass loss being the driving force
in the evolution of interacting binaries. The effects of unresolved
binary stars on the determination of the stellar mass function. The
hydrodynamics of spherical accretion that is retarded by its own radiation
losses and the possibility of super-Eddington-accretion rates. A detailed
study of the structure and evolutionary state of the star Arcturus as constrained
by its pulsations. The effects of unresolved binaries on the determination
of galactic-disc structure.

Present

Accretion on to protostellar cores using a full stellar evolution code.
Magnetic dynamos in rapidly rotating stars and discs and in common
envelope and contact binary evolution. Statistical analysis of various
binary classes in order to understand the evolutionary processes relating
them. The effects of the dissipation of tidal energy during capture
formation of binaries (particularly in globular clusters) on the state of
the stars and the subsequent evolution of the resulting system. Development
of a rapid evolution algorithm for interacting binary stars for use with
an N-body code.

Future

Development of a more comprehensive rapid stellar evolution algorithm including
a range in composition (metallicity) and the effects of mass loss and binary
interactions. Application of this algorithm to Schmidt plates to study
spatial variations in the initial mass function. Use of this algorithm
to study binary statistics. Application of these results to constrain
theories of star formation. Extension of my previous work on stellar
mass functions and the distribution of binary properties to star clusters
and galaxies particularly globular clusters and population~II stars.
Analysis of the relation between the properties of binaries in globular
clusters, the number of blue stragglers and the colour dispersion on the
giant branch. A more profound examination of the link between magnetic
fields and stellar winds in binary stars and protostars. The means
by which magnetic fields in accretion discs can drive outflows in young
stars. The distribution of magnetic fields in cataclysmic-variable
stars and single white dwarfs and its relation to magnetic dynamos in common-envelope
evolution. The importance of binary star evolution for Galactic chemical
evolution.